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Freckles: A Dark High School Romance
The captain of the rugby team wants me. And what Kincaid Tana wants, he
takes.
My mum walked out to 'get cigarettes' three months ago and never returned home.
So far, so cliche, right?
All she left me with were three packs of ramen noodles and a dead body in the freezer.
I manage—barely—until a locker-room encounter with the high school rugby star turns heated. Although he helps me out of a stabby situation, the price tag leaves me utterly humiliated.
Not that Kincaid Tana knows the meaning of the word shame.
Born to an organised crime family, he's rich, powerful, attractive... and one-hundred-percent pure trouble.
When I try to sink back into the shadows, his unwanted attention spirals into obsession. And unless I can turn one frozen corpse into two...
I'll be his to control.
This is a DARK standalone MF romance with an HEA and contains graphic scenes, mature content, and elements that may be triggering. Please read at your discretion and check the content notice in the preface of the book.
My mum walked out to 'get cigarettes' three months ago and never returned home.
So far, so cliche, right?
All she left me with were three packs of ramen noodles and a dead body in the freezer.
I manage—barely—until a locker-room encounter with the high school rugby star turns heated. Although he helps me out of a stabby situation, the price tag leaves me utterly humiliated.
Not that Kincaid Tana knows the meaning of the word shame.
Born to an organised crime family, he's rich, powerful, attractive... and one-hundred-percent pure trouble.
When I try to sink back into the shadows, his unwanted attention spirals into obsession. And unless I can turn one frozen corpse into two...
I'll be his to control.
This is a DARK standalone MF romance with an HEA and contains graphic scenes, mature content, and elements that may be triggering. Please read at your discretion and check the content notice in the preface of the book.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 26, 2025
759 people are currently reading
391 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
dnf
June 13, 2025DNF @11% - the wrong stuff at the wrong time - no one is acting in a way that makes sense for their ages and situation. Pick a lane- either write the non-con scene or don’t… but trying to straddle it by making him a nice rapist is just weird and off-putting… and then having her resist but then be excited to please him in the next breath is just not it. This scene should have been later in the book. It’s way too much consensual intimacy during a what is essentially a noncon scene… it’s just weird and doesn’t make sense
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
May 27, 2025Going to try to wait for some safety information on this one. Several reviews reference a particular “incident” that the H does that they don’t agree with, but no one has said what it is or even what it’s related to. Highly sus to me! We shall see— hopefully.
July 24, 2025
Ok. Not my favorite iteration of this somewhat tired trope. I don’t love stories about secret mafia families in high school. It never adds up. Teenage boys don’t act that way. I don’t care how they’re raised, they’re still boys. They don’t calmly quarter a body from the freezer. If you want to tell that story, write about adults.
The author tried to throw everything into this one. Stalking, non-con, athletes, homelessness, enemies to lovers, insta love, the list never stops… but the consequence was that it all felt forced and disjointed. The characters from the epilogue held little resemblance to the characters of the early chapters. And it’s not because they grew and matured.
ESP the H. He was supposed to be awful… a villain… cold… but then he’s just a sad mopey boy.
Not for me.
The author tried to throw everything into this one. Stalking, non-con, athletes, homelessness, enemies to lovers, insta love, the list never stops… but the consequence was that it all felt forced and disjointed. The characters from the epilogue held little resemblance to the characters of the early chapters. And it’s not because they grew and matured.
ESP the H. He was supposed to be awful… a villain… cold… but then he’s just a sad mopey boy.
Not for me.
May 27, 2025
I've read two other Layla Simon books, Spoilsport and Fire Fight. I liked both of them a lot. The relationships between the mcs felt complex with plots that didn't feel forced. This one felt a little different to me. The blurb really hooked me with the line about the body in the freezer, and I really liked how our two mcs were introduced to each other. However it took a really long time for anything to come of the main conflict, and even then it felt like an afterthought. The relationship between Francesca and Kincaid felt forced to me. It's clear from the beginning that Kincaid has feelings for Francesca, but she repeatedly says she doesn't like him, asks him to leave, to stop, etc and then all of a sudden when she learns about Kincaid's issues, she's in love with him. It was odd. I didn't see the chemistry between them. I feel like Francesca's feelings only developed for Kincaid through trauma bonding and his forced proximity, and I don't think that was convincing enough. It seemed like there were plenty of opportunities for the characters to open up to each other, but it got glossed over by the spice.
I would still recommend this to readers who enjoy dark mafia romance because those elements are pretty prevalent, and the scorching hot, bedroom scenes are exactly what I would expect from Layla Simon. It wasn't as much of a win for me, but I can see how Kincaid's Alpha nature would win other readers over.
I received an advance review copy for free through BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I would still recommend this to readers who enjoy dark mafia romance because those elements are pretty prevalent, and the scorching hot, bedroom scenes are exactly what I would expect from Layla Simon. It wasn't as much of a win for me, but I can see how Kincaid's Alpha nature would win other readers over.
I received an advance review copy for free through BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 16, 2025
A good book after sooo longggg
May 23, 2025
I loved the main characters, I could not put this book down. If you enjoy rugby, comedy dark romance stalker with the side of psycho, this is a perfect book. I hope you write a spinoff on Kincaid's uncle Lance Tana. I definitely recommend reading this book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 12, 2025
3.5 stars.
The first half of this, I wasn't super interested in the story. However the last half picked up and I liked it better.
There was one incident between Francesca and Kincaid that I downright hated. I've read a lot of...questionable scenes between a hero and heroine and have been able to deal with it, "forgive" the hero, but this one...I couldn't get past it enough to completely buy the romance. She also stabbed him but it was after the other incident, so I didn't really blame her there.
Besides that incident, I really enjoyed the stuff when they were actually together and he's not threatening to kill her or attempting to kill her. And I did like that Kincaid sussed out a bad element in her life and got rid of it. Plus he got rid of a huge issue she had, after she told him about what was going on, and I was just in love with him at that moment.
But one thing that Francesca did that I didn't like was what caused their final separation.
Ugh and her mother, I use the term loosely, is such a POS. I loved what Kincaid did with her and what he threatened her with.
The first half of this, I wasn't super interested in the story. However the last half picked up and I liked it better.
There was one incident between Francesca and Kincaid that I downright hated. I've read a lot of...questionable scenes between a hero and heroine and have been able to deal with it, "forgive" the hero, but this one...I couldn't get past it enough to completely buy the romance. She also stabbed him but it was after the other incident, so I didn't really blame her there.
Besides that incident, I really enjoyed the stuff when they were actually together and he's not threatening to kill her or attempting to kill her. And I did like that Kincaid sussed out a bad element in her life and got rid of it. Plus he got rid of a huge issue she had, after she told him about what was going on, and I was just in love with him at that moment.
But one thing that Francesca did that I didn't like was what caused their final separation.
Ugh and her mother, I use the term loosely, is such a POS. I loved what Kincaid did with her and what he threatened her with.
October 24, 2025
Amazing start that just turns into a "why are we making stupid decisions" and takes-one-second resolution...
May 27, 2025
4⭐️/3🌶️
I have very conflicted feelings about this book. I have read and loved almost all of Layla’s previous works, I went into this one with high expectations. 🙃 The concept, the plot, and even the spice were on point— But for me, something just didn’t click this time.
The biggest issue was the chemistry between the characters. It felt... off. The writing style also felt noticeably different, which threw me off a bit since I’ve come to expect a certain rhythm and voice from her books.
That said, I’m still giving this 4 stars because the framework was strong—the plot was interesting, the pacing was good, and the heat was definitely there. 🔥 It just didn’t quite capture the magic I’ve come to associate with Layla’s work.
I have very conflicted feelings about this book. I have read and loved almost all of Layla’s previous works, I went into this one with high expectations. 🙃 The concept, the plot, and even the spice were on point— But for me, something just didn’t click this time.
The biggest issue was the chemistry between the characters. It felt... off. The writing style also felt noticeably different, which threw me off a bit since I’ve come to expect a certain rhythm and voice from her books.
That said, I’m still giving this 4 stars because the framework was strong—the plot was interesting, the pacing was good, and the heat was definitely there. 🔥 It just didn’t quite capture the magic I’ve come to associate with Layla’s work.
May 24, 2025
Set in New Zealand, Rugby player and the captain of their school team, Kincaid 'King' Tana, nephew of a mafia boss and a school nobody Francesca 'Freckles' Qualley. They are compete opposites, riches and rags. Both have killed, one for his uncle and the other for self defense. This story is full of twisted darkness even blood play and other power exchanges where Kincaid tries and I mean tries to bend Francesca to his will but she's a fighter about what he demands of her, sometimes even threaten her life and one time did try to drown her. So this is NOT for the faint hearted. But there was never a dull moment and a few places were emotional.
May 20, 2025
This is for us by MeemsAngel82
I was so excited that Layla has released another dark bully romance! This is dark so please heed those triggers! The writing is exciting as is the plot, I was entertained the whole way! There are characters I was intrigued by and some I was so mad at! This H knew himself, he was focused on this girl who drove him crazy inside. She was stronger than she knew and was given such a raw deal in life! Her frustration and anger at him are justified but that chemistry was fantastic. The pacing made sense and there are twists and turns I did NOT see coming!
He had his owns agenda and would own her. Anytime, anyhow and because he could. She was his. She was between a rock and a hard guy who made her angry. But he was all she had at times and eventually his protection turned into something unexpected for them both.
I sensed his needing her first and her finally realizing she needed him too-but at first for vastly different reasons. I didn't agree with a certain action but otherwise I loved his crazy because I just knew she would calm him and shape him. I didn't like his cousin for several reasons, thank you very much, and there is a shocking twist that really hurts her. This H takes care of it and I wish he gave his cousin more grief over a certain situation! I wouldn't have minded this h taking down a certain girl either. I was thankful to receive an ARC copy for free and volunteered this review. I believe that this H truly cares for this girl and when he grows into his role as protector, oh yes. Her anger at him, yes girl. But when they hit their groove together? Even before? Get a fan! Lol. Great writing and I loved that I was on the edge of my seat wondering. More of his uncle, please! This was dark and sexy, exciting bully romance and I had me a great time!
I was so excited that Layla has released another dark bully romance! This is dark so please heed those triggers! The writing is exciting as is the plot, I was entertained the whole way! There are characters I was intrigued by and some I was so mad at! This H knew himself, he was focused on this girl who drove him crazy inside. She was stronger than she knew and was given such a raw deal in life! Her frustration and anger at him are justified but that chemistry was fantastic. The pacing made sense and there are twists and turns I did NOT see coming!
He had his owns agenda and would own her. Anytime, anyhow and because he could. She was his. She was between a rock and a hard guy who made her angry. But he was all she had at times and eventually his protection turned into something unexpected for them both.
I sensed his needing her first and her finally realizing she needed him too-but at first for vastly different reasons. I didn't agree with a certain action but otherwise I loved his crazy because I just knew she would calm him and shape him. I didn't like his cousin for several reasons, thank you very much, and there is a shocking twist that really hurts her. This H takes care of it and I wish he gave his cousin more grief over a certain situation! I wouldn't have minded this h taking down a certain girl either. I was thankful to receive an ARC copy for free and volunteered this review. I believe that this H truly cares for this girl and when he grows into his role as protector, oh yes. Her anger at him, yes girl. But when they hit their groove together? Even before? Get a fan! Lol. Great writing and I loved that I was on the edge of my seat wondering. More of his uncle, please! This was dark and sexy, exciting bully romance and I had me a great time!
May 28, 2025
This book was much different than the last couple that I read and that was a good thing. Please trigger warnings as there are dubcon situations that are on the boarder for me
Kincaid is the school rugby star, golden boy that everyone wants a piece of because he is rich and gorgeous but comes from a crime family that no one messes around with. If he wants something he takes it and Francesca has peaked his interest as she is def not like the other girls. For one, she is considered a nobody, poor scholarship girl but there was this light that drew him like no one else before had but then she is also holding her own dark secret. Her secret rivals what he does for his family and his uncle so she is desperately in need of funds to take care of her secret before anyone finds out. However, his cousin has some jealous issues and finds out that Kincaid has a little attraction to the girl and when she needs money to take care of her secret, Ezra (Kincaid’s cousin and overall scumbag) is the one that steps in but it doesn’t work out like Francesca thought it would. In a pinch she ends up being in a situation that puts her directly in Kincaid’s path and he take 100% advantage of it. But Francesca has this fire in her and she is feisty and doesn’t give up fighting which I think is one thing that solidifies with Kincaid that they belong together. The chemistry between the two was hot and Kincaid was a little broken with his trauma coming out to Francesca but her broken pieces I think help link them even more. He falls first and is on a mission to prove they belong together but she needs a little more time and as the story goes on, you see his bullying & obsession grow into a more protector role that she craves in her life. I really enjoy the storyline and was sad to see it end but loved how the author gave some closure for the characters at the end.
Kincaid is the school rugby star, golden boy that everyone wants a piece of because he is rich and gorgeous but comes from a crime family that no one messes around with. If he wants something he takes it and Francesca has peaked his interest as she is def not like the other girls. For one, she is considered a nobody, poor scholarship girl but there was this light that drew him like no one else before had but then she is also holding her own dark secret. Her secret rivals what he does for his family and his uncle so she is desperately in need of funds to take care of her secret before anyone finds out. However, his cousin has some jealous issues and finds out that Kincaid has a little attraction to the girl and when she needs money to take care of her secret, Ezra (Kincaid’s cousin and overall scumbag) is the one that steps in but it doesn’t work out like Francesca thought it would. In a pinch she ends up being in a situation that puts her directly in Kincaid’s path and he take 100% advantage of it. But Francesca has this fire in her and she is feisty and doesn’t give up fighting which I think is one thing that solidifies with Kincaid that they belong together. The chemistry between the two was hot and Kincaid was a little broken with his trauma coming out to Francesca but her broken pieces I think help link them even more. He falls first and is on a mission to prove they belong together but she needs a little more time and as the story goes on, you see his bullying & obsession grow into a more protector role that she craves in her life. I really enjoy the storyline and was sad to see it end but loved how the author gave some closure for the characters at the end.
October 1, 2025
Something is just off with this story. Maybe it’s the pacing or just the characters themselves. I finished it but I had to force myself to do so. It was not an enjoyable read and I mainly finished because I was confused about why I didn’t like it exactly.
I love dark romance. I especially love the type this book is about. Untouchable by Sam Mariano is a five star read for me and what this book is supposed to be similar to. It has a lot of the same elements. The MC is dangerous and wealthy and is infatuated with the FMC and they start off very much with non-con and their relationship grows together as they fall inlove.
However, this book just didn’t grasp right. The non-con scenes are not consistent. The MC doesn’t have the right personality for this and it makes it make zero sense. You can’t start a non-con scene and then halt it and switch his character to being nice and just write the FMC as enjoying it immediately when just .5 seconds ago she was terrified. There was no lead up. It’s too abrupt.
Also, none of the characters, even the side characters, had personalities or did things that made any relatable sense.
The spicy scenes weren’t even well written. The FMC needs to see a doctor in my opinion because of how dry she is down there.
There needed to be more intimate scenes with them getting closer and actually falling for each other because other than talk of killing people who hurt them there wasn’t any deeper connections. They’re drawn to each other, even against her better judgment, but why? There needs to be a reason so readers can feel it. There just wasn’t any chemistry.
The third act running away and skipping town part was ridiculous and ruined what good parts the book actually had. It was nonsensical and corny. Also, the MC is way too pouty to be an alpha male.
This was just boring and my mind often drifted creating my own scenes while reading.
I love dark romance. I especially love the type this book is about. Untouchable by Sam Mariano is a five star read for me and what this book is supposed to be similar to. It has a lot of the same elements. The MC is dangerous and wealthy and is infatuated with the FMC and they start off very much with non-con and their relationship grows together as they fall inlove.
However, this book just didn’t grasp right. The non-con scenes are not consistent. The MC doesn’t have the right personality for this and it makes it make zero sense. You can’t start a non-con scene and then halt it and switch his character to being nice and just write the FMC as enjoying it immediately when just .5 seconds ago she was terrified. There was no lead up. It’s too abrupt.
Also, none of the characters, even the side characters, had personalities or did things that made any relatable sense.
The spicy scenes weren’t even well written. The FMC needs to see a doctor in my opinion because of how dry she is down there.
There needed to be more intimate scenes with them getting closer and actually falling for each other because other than talk of killing people who hurt them there wasn’t any deeper connections. They’re drawn to each other, even against her better judgment, but why? There needs to be a reason so readers can feel it. There just wasn’t any chemistry.
The third act running away and skipping town part was ridiculous and ruined what good parts the book actually had. It was nonsensical and corny. Also, the MC is way too pouty to be an alpha male.
This was just boring and my mind often drifted creating my own scenes while reading.
May 23, 2025
A suspenseful dark story
This book was dark – so dark in fact that it was hard to believe that all these things happen to (or with) high schoolers. The writing style was amazing and the author’s ability to deliver a suspenseful, fast-paced, haunting rollercoaster of a story was astounding. She delivered it in every page. Francesca was an exceptionally strong, resilient and amazing heroine, who was called to navigate through situations that would have left older and more mature (age-wise) people crying in a corner. And she handled everything like a champ. Kincaid is an obsessed anti-hero. He wants her and doesn’t afraid to play dirty to get what he wants. This leads to an unavoidable clash, but they are drawn to each other like a moth to the flame. Both have issues and both, in my opinion, handled some situations wrong, but it was justified in my eyes– to an extent. The hotness between them is over the top – phewww. There is a bit of everything in this book (sports, mafia, murder, obsession bordering on psychosis, family issues – you name it, it’s there). All in all, a great read, even if there were a few exaggerations at times. 4 stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book was dark – so dark in fact that it was hard to believe that all these things happen to (or with) high schoolers. The writing style was amazing and the author’s ability to deliver a suspenseful, fast-paced, haunting rollercoaster of a story was astounding. She delivered it in every page. Francesca was an exceptionally strong, resilient and amazing heroine, who was called to navigate through situations that would have left older and more mature (age-wise) people crying in a corner. And she handled everything like a champ. Kincaid is an obsessed anti-hero. He wants her and doesn’t afraid to play dirty to get what he wants. This leads to an unavoidable clash, but they are drawn to each other like a moth to the flame. Both have issues and both, in my opinion, handled some situations wrong, but it was justified in my eyes– to an extent. The hotness between them is over the top – phewww. There is a bit of everything in this book (sports, mafia, murder, obsession bordering on psychosis, family issues – you name it, it’s there). All in all, a great read, even if there were a few exaggerations at times. 4 stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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June 3, 2025Read June 3 2025
This is definitely a dark book!
Check your TW's for sure.
Lots of non-con/forced consent.
With some unaliving by the main characters.
My thoughts...
I usually like a dark romance and I can get behind dub-con when it's don't right. I was hoping that this would fall under that category. This was more just straight up non-con. For like 60% of the book the h was NEVER vocal (even her inner monologue) that she wanted ANY of the sex acts the H did to her. It's implied that what the H was doing was okay cuz the heroine's body responded while being stimulated!
I might have been okay with this If while it was happening the h was actually (like dub-con) wanting it, but out loud and especially her thoughts she 100% NOT okay with it.
And in the last 40% there's no apology for that behavior. The h starts falling for the ott obsessive H. There's 1 minor bump for there relationship, and then it's all happily ever after!
Like WTF!!!
Oh! and the whole time the H is convinced he loves her. That he'll take care of her forever and that no one will ever hurt her. While he is literally in the midst of hurting her!!
Grr...so frustrating!!!
This is definitely a dark book!
Check your TW's for sure.
Lots of non-con/forced consent.
With some unaliving by the main characters.
My thoughts...
I usually like a dark romance and I can get behind dub-con when it's don't right. I was hoping that this would fall under that category. This was more just straight up non-con. For like 60% of the book the h was NEVER vocal (even her inner monologue) that she wanted ANY of the sex acts the H did to her. It's implied that what the H was doing was okay cuz the heroine's body responded while being stimulated!
I might have been okay with this If while it was happening the h was actually (like dub-con) wanting it, but out loud and especially her thoughts she 100% NOT okay with it.
And in the last 40% there's no apology for that behavior. The h starts falling for the ott obsessive H. There's 1 minor bump for there relationship, and then it's all happily ever after!
Like WTF!!!
Oh! and the whole time the H is convinced he loves her. That he'll take care of her forever and that no one will ever hurt her. While he is literally in the midst of hurting her!!
Grr...so frustrating!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2025
I didn’t think I would like this one as much cause I kept seeing bad reviews but wow I loved it. Kincaid was so perfect to me. He was so protective and loving and wanted to help Francesca. I wish we saw before Francesca tried to sell her virginity. I would have liked to see his crush on her start and how it grew more. I will say at some points there was a lot going on. The Aiden drama the body in the freezer drama the Kincaid being in the mafia drama. It was a lot. I also didn’t like how the ending was rushed so much. He goes and confronts her in the last chapter for running away then next chapter is the epilogue. I loved the epilogue though. I’m glad Francesca and the uncle are cool now. I also love when the mmc is more in love than the fmc because I loved when Kincaid got sad that Francesca ran away. Overall good. Will keep reading from this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2025
Layla Sparks has done it again with Freckles. I acidity love dark bully romances and this book was a chef’s kid to this genre. I thought this storyline was original and page-turning. The characters were complex and had an undeniable and explosive chemistry. This book is dark and touches on dark themes and topics. This book is filled with drama, suspense a lot of spice and am obsessed MMC.
Francesca was determined and independent. Kincaid was dark, broody and a total Alpha. I loved how he was obsessed and a little possessive of Francesca. I loved the push and pull between the characters it created the perfect amount of angst and the scorching hot spice. Amazing book!!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Francesca was determined and independent. Kincaid was dark, broody and a total Alpha. I loved how he was obsessed and a little possessive of Francesca. I loved the push and pull between the characters it created the perfect amount of angst and the scorching hot spice. Amazing book!!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 12, 2025
YES!! THIS is a bully romance 4.5 unhinged stars
Finally, it’s been awhile since I’ve read a good wholesome, 🤭, bully book. This H, Kincaid had no moral scale and it showed. He took what he wanted when he wanted it and mainly extended to our h, Francesca who started out a bit timid but that didn’t last long. When she decided to fight back the book really took off.
I don’t believe this is my 1st book by Layla Simon but I DO know it won’t be my last. In addition to the alphaholeness, we had some serious stëamy scenes and there was an ABUNDANCE of them. 😮💨hot AF !!!
All in all I loved this book it had all the bully romance elements but presented them in a different way than expected.
Finally, it’s been awhile since I’ve read a good wholesome, 🤭, bully book. This H, Kincaid had no moral scale and it showed. He took what he wanted when he wanted it and mainly extended to our h, Francesca who started out a bit timid but that didn’t last long. When she decided to fight back the book really took off.
I don’t believe this is my 1st book by Layla Simon but I DO know it won’t be my last. In addition to the alphaholeness, we had some serious stëamy scenes and there was an ABUNDANCE of them. 😮💨hot AF !!!
All in all I loved this book it had all the bully romance elements but presented them in a different way than expected.
July 28, 2025
Please please please check your triggers before reading! This is a dark book with some dark content. While the writing is good I'm not the biggest fan of this book. I did not like the mmc. Especially in the beginning. Near the end he got slightly better but he is definitely a red flag. But it also seems like she is too. In the beginning she wasn't but by the end of the book she was heading that direction. If you like dark dark romance then this is the book for you. There were parts of the book that I enjoyed but for me I would have preferred the book without the spice scenes because of how they went down. This was my main issue with the book. Everything else was fine but I don’t agree with how the mmc went about the intimate scenes.
November 16, 2025
I do enjoy plenty of dark romances. I would say I have loved romances much darker than this. However this one was just cringy. I don't understand why he raped her when he confesses to killing his father for raping his mother. The non con scene was hard to read. The mmc basically tells her she is his whore (not in those words) and definitely treats her as such. He is delusional thinking she appreciates the way he treats her. The plot was shallow and boring but I stuck it out to see if he redeems himself. He says he is trying to be a better person for her and apologizes to his coach for being rude to him. He never apologizes or does anything to make up for the horrible treatment to the fmc. I didn't feel the chemistry between them either. This was a no for me.
May 20, 2025
Obsessed Good & Bad
I love meeting new to me authors. This little treat here, dark delicious and wonderful characters.
Such a bad boy he is. Money, looks, family and talent.
Such a good girl she is... as a life goal set, if only...
The wickedness starts hiding in a locker room. A piece of naughty content and a very pissy girlfriend
This gem has a bit of it all "mafia", sports. Torture, passion, heat and a couple of broken souls.
Very happy to luck up and see this book. Loved the "K" reference I had a good giggle. Enjoy
I love meeting new to me authors. This little treat here, dark delicious and wonderful characters.
Such a bad boy he is. Money, looks, family and talent.
Such a good girl she is... as a life goal set, if only...
The wickedness starts hiding in a locker room. A piece of naughty content and a very pissy girlfriend
This gem has a bit of it all "mafia", sports. Torture, passion, heat and a couple of broken souls.
Very happy to luck up and see this book. Loved the "K" reference I had a good giggle. Enjoy
July 17, 2025
I would have loved this more without the bathroom scene, which made no sense to me, since Kincaid had plenty of other more convincing and less traumatizing ways to "persuade" Francesca, and he had no remorse whatsoever afterwards. I still like their story, and how strong Francesca is, also it brought up a character I am equally intrigued by namely Onyx, let's not forget my fave quote for the day: "There isn't a task my egregious cousin can't enshittify beyond repair". Read the book, there are no regrets.
October 19, 2025
Hmmm, I think I liked this...I definitely love my over the top obsessed MMC, SO I loved Kincaid Tana, but not sure I was a fan of Francesca's she was maybe a little too on the soft side. Cowered a little too much. Sorry but BA's need other BA's or at least someone who can match their energy. Overall I liked the story, wish Francesca could have had that face off with her mom but her being such a soft character I don't think she could have pulled that off and would have to have Kincaid take over anyways. I do hope Uncle Lance gets his own story, I would love his story.
May 27, 2025
“It hits at a need buried deep inside me. A need I didn’t know existed until this moment.“ I love Layla Simon and this book did not disappoint! It is dark and dirty and 🌶️🌶️🌶️! The MMC is obsessive and possessive. Check your triggers but if you don’t have any I always like going in blind to keep up the surprise. I have read a lot of dark romance and there were a few firsts for me in here! 🥵 I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 17, 2025
Definitely not for everyone. There were parts of this book that were pretty rough and definitely some spots I skimmed or skipped over. The ending was heartwarming, but it was a lot to go through to get there. I feel like it could have used a little editing, but that could also have been the simple fact that it wasn’t American English. Still, I felt it was worth the read, if you enjoy some rough, raw, and dirty characters, with a cruel side and a seldom seen touch of warmth.
August 13, 2025
enjoyable but -
Bully trope, with TW at the beginning.
I enjoyed the general plot, and read it quickly.
My issue is the “high school” age.
If there are readers who enjoy that particular age in being super spicy and dark - this one is for you.
As a more “mature” reader, this was slightly cringy for me.
I doubt if they were in college, in their 20’s that would have made a difference in the plot with small adjustments to be made.
Otherwise, enjoyable and engaging
Bully trope, with TW at the beginning.
I enjoyed the general plot, and read it quickly.
My issue is the “high school” age.
If there are readers who enjoy that particular age in being super spicy and dark - this one is for you.
As a more “mature” reader, this was slightly cringy for me.
I doubt if they were in college, in their 20’s that would have made a difference in the plot with small adjustments to be made.
Otherwise, enjoyable and engaging
August 24, 2025
What a Wild Ride!
I loved this book so much more than I expected! First, I adored that the author set it in NZ/AUS - the cultural references and fun lingo was fresh and unique.
Second: the characters and plot were so well done - they kept me interested, engaged, and on the edge of my seat as the action unfolded.
Third: where do I sign up for a Kincaid?! Talk about hot hot hot! - seriously add this to your reading list, you won’t regret it!
I loved this book so much more than I expected! First, I adored that the author set it in NZ/AUS - the cultural references and fun lingo was fresh and unique.
Second: the characters and plot were so well done - they kept me interested, engaged, and on the edge of my seat as the action unfolded.
Third: where do I sign up for a Kincaid?! Talk about hot hot hot! - seriously add this to your reading list, you won’t regret it!
May 22, 2025
Another slam dunk for Layla Simon. This author does this genre justice, such a compelling storyteller, where you connect and root for the characters. Chess was an absolute gem. I enjoyed how nerdy she got about astrophysics.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 25, 2025
This book captivated me from page one and I couldn't put it down. It is so well written that it is easy to read and helps you really picture the characters. I love the relationship between Chess and Dominic. There is good humor and real emotions with them. I love the HEA ending that ties up all the storylines.
May 29, 2025
I’ve read several books written by Layla
Simon, all of which I’ve rated five stars. The blurb had me hooked, and with that I had high hopes for this story. This one, however, I am really conflicted about. From the very start the relationship felt extremely forced. There doesn’t seem to be any good chemistry, just lu$t and obsession.
❤️ dark romance
❤️ HS
❤️ bully
❤️ ott jp
❤️ v heroine
Simon, all of which I’ve rated five stars. The blurb had me hooked, and with that I had high hopes for this story. This one, however, I am really conflicted about. From the very start the relationship felt extremely forced. There doesn’t seem to be any good chemistry, just lu$t and obsession.
❤️ dark romance
❤️ HS
❤️ bully
❤️ ott jp
❤️ v heroine
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